Compositions for removing stains from dental surfaces and methods of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

Stain-removing oral compositions, such as gum compositions are herein provided. The compositions include a chelating agent and a surfactant. The surfactant includes a fatty acid salt and at least one component selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants. The fatty acid salt may have at least one hydroxyl functionality. The oral compositions may optionally include an abrasive agent.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 10/710,602, filed Nov. 21, 2003, which is a divisional ofapplication Ser. No. 10/284,217, filed on Oct. 31, 2002, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,685,916, the contents all of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present invention is generally directed to oral compositionscontaining an effective amount of a stain-removing surfactant. Inparticular, the invention is directed to oral compositions including achelator; a fatty acid salt; and at least one other anionic or nonionicsurfactant.

BACKGROUND

Unblemished white teeth have long been considered cosmeticallydesirable. Unfortunately, in the absence of thorough dental cleaning,teeth can become discolored or stained from color-causing substancespresent in food, beverages, tobacco, and the like, and internal sourcessuch as blood, amalgam-based fillings, and antibiotics (e.g.,tetracycline).

The tooth structures that are generally responsible for presenting astained appearance are enamel, dentin, and the acquired pellicle. Toothenamel is predominately formed from inorganic material, mostly in theform of hydroxyapatite crystals, and further contain approximately 5%organic material primarily in the form of collagen. In contrast, dentinis composed of about 20% protein including collagen, the balanceexisting of inorganic material, predominately hydroxyapatite crystals,similar to that found in enamel. The acquired pellicle is aproteinaceous layer present on the surface of tooth enamel which reformsrapidly after an intensive tooth cleaning.

Discoloration of teeth can result from extrinsic and/or intrinsicstaining. Extrinsic staining of the acquired pellicle can arise as aresult of compounds, such as tannins and other polyphenolic compounds,that have become trapped in and tightly bound to the proteinaceous layeron the surface of the teeth. Discoloration from this type of stainingcan usually be removed by mechanical methods of tooth cleaning. Incontrast, intrinsic staining occurs when the staining compoundspenetrate the enamel and even the dentin, or alternatively, suchstaining arises from sources within the tooth. Discoloration fromintrinsic staining is not readily amenable to mechanical methods oftooth cleaning. Chemical methods, which utilize substances that canpenetrate into the tooth structure, are usually required to eliminatesuch discoloration.

Currently, there are a number of methods for removing stains in teeth.These methods are generally based on the use of abrasives, hydrolyticagents or oxidizing agents to break down the staining material. Forexample, mechanical methods of tooth cleaning are known whereby thestain is mechanically abraded through the use of abrasives or polishingagents normally employed in toothpaste preparations. Typicalpreparations containing abrasives are toothpastes, gels or powderdentifrices, which require close contact with the teeth. Brushing andsimilar scrubbing or polishing action is typically required as acompliment to successful stain removal. Typical abrasives includehydrated silica, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and alumina.

Hydrolytic agents including proteolytic enzymes can also be used towhiten teeth. These products are usually in the form of pastes or gels,and function to whiten teeth by removing the plaque and calculus thathave been entrapped the stain.

Oxidizing agents such as urea peroxide, hydrogen peroxide or calciumperoxide, represent the most common forms of whitening agents for toothenamels. It is believed that peroxides whiten teeth by releasinghydroxyl radicals capable of breaking down the plaque/stain complex intoa form that can be flushed away or removed by an abrasive.

Other active stain-removing components include surface-active agents,such as anionic surfactants and chelators, which have been incorporatedinto stain-removing compositions because of their stain-removingproperties. For example, anionic surfactants typically employed indentifrice compositions include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodiumN-lauryl sarcosinate. Furthermore, chelators, such as polyphosphates,are typically employed in dentifrice compositions as tartar controlingredients. For example, tetrasodium pyrophosphate and sodiumtri-polyphosphate are typical ingredients found in such compositions.

Unlike toothpaste, mouthwash and other dentifrice compositions, gumcompositions present unique problems in delivering agents. Chewing gumcompositions typically comprise a water-insoluble gum base whichprovides the bulk to the gum composition, but which invariably trapsagents having compatibility with the gum base. Adding additional amountsof an agent is problematical because the same can have an adverse affecton the integrity, sensory and/or taste properties of the gumcomposition.

Stain-removing gum compositions are known. For example, gum compositionsincluding sodium tripolyphosphate and xylitol are known. Also, gumcompositions are known, which include hexametaphosphate and an abrasivesilica material. Moreover, a dental gum is known, which includes thefollowing ingredients: sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodiumpyrophosphate, a silica abrasive and zinc acetate. A whitening gumcomposition is also known, which includes the abrasives sodiumbicarbonate and calcium carbonate, and is sold under the brand name V6®.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,920 to Rice discloses a dentifrice composition thatmay be used in the form of a gum. The dentifrice composition includes asilica abrasive, a chelating agent (disclosed as including apyrophosphate salt) and a surfactant. The surfactant is disclosed aspreferably being selected from sarcosinate surfactants, isethionatesurfactants and taurate surfactants. Exemplified surfactants are sodiumlauryl sarcosinate and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Stain-removing gum compositions are known including anionic surfactantssuch as fatty acid salts (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,471,945, 6,479,071 and6,696,044). For example, sodium stearate is a fatty acid salt employedin a gum product sold under the brand name Trident White®). Sodiumstearate is a surfactant containing both hydrophilic and lipophilicgroups. This fatty acid salt is known to solubilize stains into salivaand to loosen the stain so that they can be easily removed by brushingor salvia. It is also known to enter and break up the continuous plaquematrix, and to prevent stain build-up by interfering with the calciumbridge formation between plaque and food product. Encapsulating sodiumstearate in sugar alcohols, and only loosely containing sodium stearatewithin the gum composition, can facilitate its release from the gumbase.

As described above, chelators and surfactants have been incorporatedinto gum compositions because of their good stain-removing properties.However, excess amounts of surfactants can produce an undesirable soapytaste. Moreover, chelators can also have a negative effect on taste(e.g., salty, bitter, and metallic) if added in excess amounts.

In view of the foregoing, it would be beneficial to provide further oralcompositions, such as gum compositions for removing stains from teeth.In particular, it would be advantageous to provide gum compositionswhich include a stain-removing agent that can be effectively releasedfrom a variety of gum bases, has high solubility in saliva, avoidsinteraction with gum ingredients (e.g., lecithin), avoids chemicalchanges in acidic gums, and leaves a stain-preventing film on teeth. Itwould be of further benefit to provide an oral composition including acombination of stain-removing agents that improves stain removalactivity over the activity of the individual stain-removing agents aloneand enables reduction of the amount of each of the stain-removing agentsin the composition, avoiding unpleasant tastes and mouthfeel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided astain-removing oral composition including a chelating agent; and asurfactant. The surfactant includes a fatty acid salt and at least onecomponent selected from anionic and nonionic surfactants. Thecomposition may also include other ingredients, such as abrasives. Insome embodiments, the fatty acid salt is a salt of ricinoleic acid.

The oral compositions of this invention can include, but are not limitedto, any number of compositions, including gums, confectionarycompositions, toothpastes and mouthwashes. For example, certain aspectsof the present invention relate to stain-removing gum compositions.

In some embodiments, the stain-removing gum composition may include agum base; a chelating agent; and a surfactant, wherein the surfactantincludes a fatty acid salt and at least one component selected fromnonionic and anionic surfactants. The fatty acid salt in thestain-removing gum composition may be a salt of ricinoleic acid.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, there is provided a stain-removing gumcomposition including: a gum base; an abrasive agent; a chelating agent;and a surfactant, wherein the surfactant includes a fatty acid salt andat least one component selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants.

Other aspects of the present invention provide methods of preparing andusing the inventive stain-removing compositions herein.

The invention provides a method for removing stains from teeth. In someembodiments, the method includes providing an oral composition includinga chelating agent; and a surfactant, wherein the surfactant includes afatty acid salt and at least one component selected from nonionic andanionic surfactants. This method also includes contacting the teeth withthe provided composition for a sufficient time to remove stains from theteeth. For example, in one embodiment, stains may be removed from teethby chewing an effective amount of a stain-removing gum compositionprovided herein.

Gum compositions provided herein can be prepared in any number of ways.For example, the surfactant and/or the chelating agent may be combinedwith a gum base, or with a coating for the gum, or with both.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method ofpreparing a stain-removing gum composition that includes: heating a gumbase to soften the base; and mixing the softened gum base with achelating agent; and a surfactant including a fatty acid salt and atleast one component selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants toobtain a substantially homogeneous mixture. This method also involvescooling the mixture; and forming the cooled mixture into individual gumpieces. Other components, such as including, but not limited to,abrasives, sweeteners, flavorants, fillers and colorants may also beincluded in the gum base, as will be described in greater detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein the transitional term “comprising,” (also “comprises,”etc.) which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or“characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not excludeadditional, unrecited elements or method steps, regardless of its use inthe preamble or the body of a claim.

As used herein, the term “gum compositions” is intended to include anygum compositions, including “chewing gum” and “bubble gum.”

The term “fatty acid salt” is a compound formed by replacing hydrogen ina fatty acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal).

“Hydroxy fatty acid salts” as used herein are fatty acid salts having atleast one hydroxyl functionality. The hydroxyl group may occur atvarious positions in the carbon chain which can be saturated ormonoenoic. The term is intended to include salts derived frompolyhydroxy fatty acids, which are most frequently produced bylipoxygenase activities.

The present invention is directed to compositions with stain-removingproperties for producing a whitening effect on dental surfaces that aretreated with the same. Such compositions are especially suitable forremoving stains, which adhere to, or are entrapped in materials on, thesurface of teeth and for preventing build-up of the stain entrappingmaterial and stains on dental surfaces. The compositions of the presentinvention are meant to include products, which are not intentionallyswallowed for purposes of systemic administration of therapeutic agents,but are retained in the oral cavity for a sufficient time to contact thedental surfaces for purposes of providing beneficial dental effects.

The compositions of the present invention may be in a form selectedfrom, for example, dentifrices including mouthwashes, mouth rinses,toothpastes, tooth powders, tooth hardeners, antiplaque compositions,dental creams, dental flosses, liquids, gels, and the like; chewinggums, including center-filled gums, and the like; and confectionaries,including mints, lozenges, and the like. In some embodiments, thecompositions of the present invention are in the form of chewing gums.

In accordance with the present invention, a stain-removing effectiveamount of a fatty acid salt is employed in the compositions of thepresent invention to provide effective stain-removing activity. In someembodiments, the fatty acid salt has at least one hydroxylfunctionality. Applicants have discovered that fatty acid salts havingat least one hydroxyl functionality improve stain-removing activity overthe activity of other fatty acid salts. Moreover, relative to otherfatty acid salts, Applicants have discovered that hydroxy fatty acidsalts are better able to prevent build-up of stain entrapping materialand stains on dental surfaces. Hydroxy fatty acid salts have a betteraffinity for the tooth surface, penetrate the stain/plaque faster, andbind calcium stronger because of the hydroxyl group occurring at aposition in the carbon chain. This facilitates the effective removal ofdental stains and allows for the formation of a film on teeth forpreventing further stains. Hydroxy fatty acid salts have a greatersolubility in saliva and less of an affinity for the gum base relativeto other fatty acid salts. This allows it to solubilize the stain intothe saliva and loosen it so that it is easily removed by brushing orsaliva. Moreover, hydroxy fatty acid salts do not substantially interactwith ingredients, such as lecithin, and do not have a tendency to changein acidic environments, such as those present in fruit gum.Significantly, hydroxy fatty acid salts, such as salts of ricinoleicacid, are also known to have antibacterial efficacy. For example, it isknown to employ castor oil soap in a dentifrice composition in order torender mouth bacteria and their products harmless by treating them withthe composition.

In some embodiments, the stain-removing oral compositions of the presentinvention include the combination of a chelating agent, and a surfactantincluding a fatty acid salt and at least one other anionic or nonionicsurfactant. Applicants have discovered that this combination ofstain-removing agents improves stain-removing activity over the activityof the individual component stain-removing agents alone. Moreover, thecombination of stain-removing agents enables reduction of the amount ofeach of the stain-removing agents in the composition, avoidingunpleasant tastes and mouthfeel. Polyphosphates are one group of agentssuitable for use in the present invention as chelators. Chelators arecapable of strongly binding with metal ions, such as calcium. Forexample, chelating agents are able to complex calcium found in the cellwalls of bacteria, a major component of plaque. Chelating agents canalso disrupt plaque by removing calcium from the calcium bridges whichhelp hold the plaque matrix together.

In some embodiments, the stain-removing oral compositions according tothe present invention include the combination of a chelating agent; anabrasive agent; and a surfactant including a fatty acid salt and atleast one component selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants. Thiscombination of stain-removing agents significantly improvesstain-removing activity over the activity of the individual componentsstain-removing agents alone, and also enables reduction of the amount ofeach of the stain-removing agents in the composition. In particular,matured stains can be mechanically abraded through the use of theabrasive. Brushing, scrubbing, polishing, or chewing can complimentsuccessful stain removal. The surfactant component and the chelatingagent (e.g., a polyphosphate) serve as surface-active agents. Theseactives help to soften the pellicle film on the teeth and have theability to penetrate the stain matrix and facilitate its removal.Moreover, a fatty acid salt is a film-forming surfactant. For example,suitable fatty acid salts for use in the compositions of this inventioninclude hydroxy fatty acid salts. A hydroxy fatty acid salt is capableof binding calcium because of its hydroxyl group. This allows it to havea good affinity for the tooth surface, to penetrate the stain/plaquequickly and to form a good film for preventing stain formation.

The term “stain-removing effective amount” as used herein is an amountof the combination of stain-removing agent(s) disclosed herein that issufficient to prevent, eliminate, or at least reduce, the presence ofstains on dental surfaces in warm-blooded animals including humans, butlow enough to avoid any undesirable side effects. This stain-removingeffective amount of the combination of stain-removing agent(s) of thepresent invention may vary with the type and extent of the particularstain, the age and physical condition of the warm-blooded animal,including humans being treated, the duration of treatment, the nature ofconcurrent therapy, the specific stain-removing agent employed, and theparticular carrier from which the stain-removing agent is applied.

The concentration of the stain-removing agents in the composition of thepresent invention depends on the type of composition (e.g., toothpaste,mouthwash and rinse, lozenge, chewing gum, confectionary, and the like)used to apply the stain-removing agents to the dental surfaces, due tothe differences in the efficiency of the compositions contacting theteeth and due also to the effective amount of the composition generallyused. The concentration may also depend on the levels of the stainspresent.

Except as otherwise noted, the amount of the ingredients incorporatedinto the compositions according to the present invention is designatedas percentage by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

As described above, a stain-removing oral composition of the presentinvention can be a gum composition, such as chewing gum composition. Thechewing gum compositions of the present invention may be coated oruncoated, and be in the form of slabs, sticks, pellets, balls and thelike. The composition of the different forms of the chewing gumcompositions will be similar but may vary with regard to the ratio ofthe ingredients. For example, coated gum compositions may contain alower percentage of softeners. Pellets and balls may have a chewing gumcore, which has been coated with either a sugar solution or a sugarlesssolution to create the hard shell. Slabs and sticks are usuallyformulated to be softer in texture than the chewing gum core. In somecases, an hydroxy fatty acid salt or other surfactant actives may have asoftening effect on the gum base. In order to adjust for any potentialundesirable softening effect that the surfactant actives may have on thegum base, it may be beneficial to formulate a slab or stick gum having afirmer texture than usual (i.e., use less conventional softener than istypically employed).

Center-filled gum is another common gum form. The gum portion has asimilar composition and mode of manufacture to that described above.However, the center-fill is typically an aqueous liquid or gel, which isinjected into the center of the gum during processing. Thestain-removing agent(s) could optionally be incorporated into thecenter-fill during manufacture of the fill, incorporated directly orinto the chewing gum portion of the total gum composition or both. Thecenter-filled gum may also be optionally coated and may be prepared invarious forms, such as in the form of a lollipop.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a coated gum may beformed, wherein the stain-removing agent(s) is in at least one of thecore or the coating. For example, in some embodiments, an abrasive agentis incorporated into the coating, and the surface actives (i.e.,surfactant actives and chelating agent) are incorporated into the gumbase. By providing the abrasive in the coating, the stain is firstmechanically abraded by the abrasive in combination with chewing, whichrequires close contact with the teeth. In particular, the abrasive tendsto have a short time before it goes into solution. Whereas the abrasivecontinues to have a chemical effect in removing the stain after it isreleased from the coating into the saliva, it may be advantageous toenhance the mechanical abrasion initially by providing it in the coatinglayer. Furthermore, the coating provides another effective vehicle fordelivering the surfactant actives and/or the chelating agent.

It is also well within the contemplation of the present invention thatthe stain-removing agent(s) can be incorporated into the gum base. Thegum base provides another effective vehicle for deliveringstain-removing agent(s), such as the abrasives and the surface-activeagents because it permits protracted contact of the stain-removingagents to the teeth. For example, the abrasive, surfactant actives andchelating agent can chemically remove the stain once released from thegum base and/or coating into saliva.

Chewing gum compositions of the present invention may include a gum baseand most of the other typical chewing composition components, such assweeteners, softeners, flavorants and the like. At least onestain-removing fatty acid salt is employed in the inventive gumcompositions.

In accordance with one aspect of a gum composition of the presentinvention, the stain-removing fatty acid salt may be added during themanufacture of the gum composition, that is, with the sweeteners,flavorants and the like. In another aspect of the present invention, afatty acid salt may be added as one of the last steps in the formationof the gum composition. This process allows for the fatty acid salt tobe incorporated into the gum composition without materially binding ittherein such as may occur if the stain-removing agent is mixed directlywith the gum base. Thus, although certain fatty acid salts, such ashydroxy fatty acid salts, are quite soluble in saliva and can beeffectively released from the gum base, by only loosely containing afatty acid salt within the gum composition, it is anticipated that itcan be even more effectively released therefrom during a typical chewingoperation. Moreover, a fatty acid salt may be encapsulated or absorbedon a particulate substrate (for example, in a sugar alcohol, wax orpolymers such as polyvinyl acetate) to further facilitate delivery, ifdesired.

Surfactants

The oral compositions of the present invention may include desirablestain-removing agent(s) as provided herein. For example, the compositionmay include anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants or mixturesthereof. Surfactant actives useful herein include medium chain fattyacid salts, long chain fatty acid salts or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the fatty acid salt has from 8 to 20 carbon atoms.Moreover, in some embodiments, the fatty acid salt has from 14 to 25carbon atoms.

In some embodiments, the salt includes a metal ion that can be adivalent metal ion or a monovalent metal ion. For example, the metal ioncan be selected from sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium andcombinations thereof.

The fatty acid salt may be a salt of a saturated or unsaturated, mediumor long chain fatty acid. For example, suitable examples of unsaturatedfatty acids for use in the compositions of the present invention includethe following: ricinoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, eleostericacid and combinations thereof. Moreover, the following saturated fattyacids may be employed in the inventive oral compositions: butyric acid,caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid,palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignocericacid, cerotic acid and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the oral compositions of the present inventioninclude a fatty acid salt having at least one hydroxyl functionality.For example, in some embodiments, a water-soluble salt of a hydroxyfatty acid having from 14 to 25 carbon atoms may be employed in theinventive compositions. The hydroxy fatty acid salt, as defined herein,includes at least one hydroxyl functionality which may occur at variouspositions in the carbon chain.

Suitable examples of hydroxy fatty acid salts include salts of higherfatty acids, such as ricinoleic acid, castor oil and ergot oil.Ricinoleic acid accounts for about 90% of the triglyceride fatty acidsof castor oil, and up to about 40% of the glyceride fatty acids of ergotoil. Other suitable hydroxy fatty acid salts include, but are notlimited to, those derived from the following: lesquerolic acid,densipolic acid, auricolic acid and β-dimorphecolic acid. Combinationsof hydroxy fatty acid salts may also be employed.

The water-soluble salts of hydroxy fatty acids may be derived fromnaturally occurring fatty acids having at least one hydroxylfunctionality, such as ricinoleic acid. Furthermore, the surfactantsemployed in the present invention or the fatty acids from which they arederived may be chemically or enzymatically modified so as to contain atleast one hydroxyl functionality.

The fatty acid salts may be derived from fatty acids found, for example,in animals, plants or bacteria. The polar —COOH group on short-chainfatty acids (e.g., 2-4 carbon atoms) and even medium-chain (e.g., 6 to10 carbon atoms) is typically enough to make them soluble in water.However, as chain length increases (e.g., from 14 to 25 carbons), thefatty acid type becomes progressively less water soluble and tends totake on oily or fatty characteristics. The presence of a hydroxy groupon long-chain fatty acids increases water solubility. Therefore,Applicants have found that water-soluble salts of hydroxy fatty acidshaving from 14 to 25 carbon atoms are useful in the compositions of thepresent invention. In particular, the water solubility of a hydroxyfatty acid salt allows it to solubilize an established stain into thesaliva and loosens it so that it can be easily removed by chewing,brushing or saliva.

The inventive oral compositions include a fatty acid salt in combinationwith other anionic or nonionic surfactants. For example, other suitablesurfactants may include the following anionic or non-ionic surfactants:sulfated butyl oleate, medium and long chain fatty acid esters, sodiumoleate, salts of fumaric acid, potassium glomate, organic acid esters ofmono- and diglycerides, stearyl monoglyceridyl citrate, succistearin,dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, glycerol tristearate, lecithin,hydroxylated lecithin, sodium lauryl sulfate, acetylated monoglycerides,succinylated monoglycerides, monoglyceride citrate, ethoxylated mono-and diglycerides, sorbitan monostearate, calcium stearyl-2-lactylate,sodium stearyl lactylate, lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol andpropylene glycerol, glycerol-lactoesters of C₈-C₂₄ fatty acids,polyglycerol esters of C₈-C₂₄ fatty acids, propylene glycol alginate,sucrose C₈-C₂₄ fatty acid esters, diacetyl tartaric and citric acidesters of mono- and diglycerides, triacetin, sarcosinate surfactants,isethionate surfactants, tautate surfactants, pluronics, polyethyleneoxide condensates of alkyl phenols, products derived from thecondensation of ethylene oxide with the reaction product of propyleneoxide and ethylene diamine, ethylene oxide condensates of aliphaticalcohols, long chain tertiary amine oxides, long chain tertiaryphosphine oxides, long chain dialkyl sulfoxides and mixtures thereof.

The surfactant (e.g., sodium ricinoleate in combination with at leastone other anionic or nonionic surfactant), may be present in oralcompositions of the present invention in concentrations of about 0.001%to about 20% by weight of the total composition. In some embodiments,the surfactant may be present at about 0.05 to about 10% by weight ofthe total composition. Moreover, in some embodiments, the surfactant maybe present in amounts of about 0.05 to about 2% by weight of the totalcomposition.

Chelating Agents

As described above, the oral compositions of the present invention mayoptionally include chelating agents. Chelating agents strongly interactwith metal ions, such as the calcium found in the cell walls of mouthbacteria. Chelating agents can also disrupt plaque by removing calciumfrom the calcium bridges which help hold this biomass intact.

One group of agents suitable for use as chelating agents in thecompositions of the present invention are polyphosphates. In someembodiments, the chelating agent is a phosphate salt selected from thefollowing: pyrophosphates, triphosphates, polyphosphates,polyphosphonates and combinations thereof. The chelating agent can be adialkali metal pyrophosphate salt, a tetra alkali polyphosphate salt ora combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the chelatingagent can be selected from the following: tetrasodium pyrophosphate,tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate and combinationsof these. Other chelating agents that can be employed in thecompositions of the present invention may include tartaric acid andsalts thereof, citric acid and alkali metal citrates and mixturesthereof.

In some embodiments, the chelating agent is present in amounts of about0.001 to about 5% by weight of the inventive oral composition.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the chelating agent is present inamounts of about 0.5 to about 3% by weight of the oral composition.

Abrasive Agent

In some embodiments, the oral compositions of the present inventioninclude an abrasive agent. Suitable abrasives include silicas, aluminas,phosphates, carbonates and combinations thereof. In some embodiments,the abrasive agent is a silica selected from: precipitated silica,silica gels and combinations thereof. Moreover, in some embodiments theabrasive agent is selected from the following: calcium carbonate, sodiumbicarbonate, sodium metaphosphate, potassium metaphosphate, tricalciumphosphate, dehydrated dicalcium phosphate and combinations thereof.

The abrasive polishing material contemplated for use in the compositionsof the present invention can be any material which does not excessivelyabrade dentin. However, silica dental abrasives have unique benefits ofexceptional dental cleaning and polishing performance without undulyabrading tooth enamel or dentin.

The silica abrasive polishing materials herein, as well as otherabrasives, generally have an average particle size ranging between about0.1 to about 30 microns, and preferably from about 5 to about 15microns. The abrasive can be precipitated silica or silica gels such asthe silica xerogels described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,538,230 to Pader, etal. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,307 to DiGiulio, both incorporated herein byreference in their entirety. Preferred are the silica xerogels marketedunder the trade name “Syloid” by the W. R. Grace & Company, DavisonChemical Division. Also preferred are the precipitated silica materials,such as those marketed by the J. M. Huber Corporation under the tradename “Zeodent”, particularly the silica carrying the designation“Zeodent 119”. The types of silica dental abrasives useful in thepresent invention are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,583 toWason, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Silicaabrasives described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 08/434,147 and08/434,149, both filed May 2, 1995, are also herein incorporated byreference.

In some embodiments, the abrasive is present in amounts from about 0.1to about 30% by weight of the oral composition. The abrasive agent maybe more typically employed in amounts from about 0.5 to about 5% byweight of the total composition. The abrasive in the toothpastecompositions of this invention is generally present at a level of fromabout 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the composition. Moreover,inventive chewing gum may contain from about 1% to about 6% of abrasive,by weight of the oral composition.

The silica used to prepare a chewing gum composition of the presentinvention is differentiated by means of its oil absorption value, havingoil absorption value of less than 100 cc/100 g, and preferably in therange of from 45 cc/100 g silica to less than 70 cc/100 g silica. Silicaparticularly useful in the practice of the present invention is marketedunder the trade designation SYLODENT XWA GRACE Davison Co., Columbia, DS21044. An example of such silica is SYLODENT XWA 150, a silicaprecipitate having a water content of 4.7% by weight averaging fromabout 7 to about 11 microns in diameter, having an Einlehner Hardness of5, a BET surface area of 390 m.sup.2/g of silica, an oil absorption ofless than 70 cm.sup.{fraction (3/100)} g of silica. This silica exhibitslow abrasiveness to tooth enamel.

The silica abrasive can be used as the sole abrasive in preparing achewing gum of the present invention or in combination with other knownabrasives or polishing agents, including calcium carbonate, sodiumbicarbonate, sodium metaphosphate, potassium metaphosphate, tricalciumphosphate, dehydrated dicalcium phosphate, or other siliceous materials,or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the total quantity of abrasive silica present in achewing gum composition of the present invention is at a concentrationof from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight. Moreover, in some embodiments,the total quantity of abrasive silica present in a chewing gumcomposition of the present invention is from about 0.5% to about 5% byweight.

Orally Acceptable Carrier

The compositions of the present invention include an orally acceptablecarrier, in an appropriate amount to accommodate the other components ofthe formulation. The term “orally acceptable carrier” refers to avehicle capable of being mixed with the active components for deliveryto the oral cavity for tooth whitening and cleaning purposes, and whichwill not cause harm to warm-blooded animals, including humans. Theorally acceptable carriers further include those components of thecomposition that are capable of being comingled without interaction in amanner which would substantially reduce the composition's stabilityand/or efficacy for dental stain-removal in the oral cavity ofwarm-blooded animals, including humans, in accordance with thecompositions and methods of the present invention.

The orally acceptable carriers of the present invention can include oneor more compatible solid or liquid filler diluents or encapsulatingsubstances, which are suitable for oral administration. The carriers orexcipients employed in the present invention may be in any formappropriate to the mode of delivery, for example, solutions, colloidaldispersions, emulsions, suspensions, rinses, gels, foams, powders,solids, and the like, and can include conventional components oftoothpastes (including gels), mouthwashes and rinses, mouth sprays,chewing gums, lozenges, and confectionaries. Carriers suitable for thepreparation of compositions of the present invention are well known inthe art. Their selection will depend on secondary considerations liketaste, cost, shelf stability and the like.

In some embodiments, the orally acceptable carrier is a solid carrier.Moreover, in some embodiments, the orally acceptable carrier is a gum orwax base.

Types of additives or ingredients, which may be included in the presentcompositions include one or more desirable stain-removing agents asprovided herein. The inventive compositions may also include a componentselected from the following: elastomers, elastomer solvents, waxes,emulsifiers, plasticizers, softeners, dispersing agents, sweeteners,flavorants, humectants, active agents, cooling agents, warming agents,tooth whitening agents (e.g., a peroxide compound), colorants, bulkingagents, fillers and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, an active agent can be a fluoride compound or anantibacterial compound. For example, a known antibacterial compound istriclosan.

Moreover, in some embodiments a film-forming polymer may be included inthe compositions of the present invention. For example, the film-formingpolymer may be a synthetic anionic polymeric polycarboxylate (SAPP),such a PVM/MA copolymer (Gantrez S-97, GAF Corp.). Such polymers aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,334,375 and 5,505,933, which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety. SAPP's havepreviously been described as being useful for dentin sensitivityreduction. Moreover, SAPP's have previously been described asantibacterial-enhancing agents, which enhance delivery of anantibacterial agent to oral surfaces, and which enhance the retention ofthe antibacterial agent on oral surfaces. It is well within thecontemplation of the present invention that film-forming polymers, suchas PVM/MA copolymer, may be employed in the compositions of the presentinvention as a means of reducing stain formation.

As described above, in some embodiments, the inventive composition maybe a gum composition including a gum base, a chelating agent, and asurfactant, which includes a fatty acid salt and at least one componentselected from nonionic and anionic surfactants. Suitable fatty acidsalts for use in the inventive gum compositions include salts derivedfrom fatty acids having from 8 to 25 carbon atoms, examples of which aredescribed above.

In some embodiments, the fatty acid salt has at least one hydroxylfunctionality to improve the stain-removing and film-forming propertiesof the inventive compositions. An example of a suitable hydroxy fattyacid salt is sodium ricinoleate.

In addition to the fatty acid salts, the inventive gum compositionsfurther include at least one other anionic or nonionic surfactant.Suitable examples are the same as those described above. These may beincluded within the gum base, for example.

As described above, gum compositions according to the present inventioninclude a chelator, such as a polyphosphate. Suitable examples ofchelators for use in the inventive gum compositions are the same asthose described above.

Moreover, gum compositions of the present invention may optionallyinclude abrasives, suitable examples of which are the same as thosedescribed above. For example, in one specific embodiment, the abrasivein the gum is a silica abrasive. A useful silica is one having an oilabsorption value of less than 100 cc/100 g silica, and preferably in therange of from 45 cc/100 g silica to less than 70 cc/100 g silica. Asuitable silica is sold under the name SYLODENT XWA (Davison Co.,Columbia, Md.).

The gum base may be present in an amount of about 20 to about 40% byweight of the total composition. It may include any component known inthe chewing gum art. For example, the gum base may include sweeteners,elastomers, bulking agents, waxes, elastomer solvents, emulsifiers,plasticizers, fillers, mixtures thereof and may include a desirablestain-removing agent(s) as provided herein.

In some embodiments, the gum base may include a suitable sugar bulkingagent. For example, the gum base may include a specific polyolcomposition including at least one polyol which is from about 30% toabout 80% by weight of the gum base, and desirably from 50% to about60%. The polyol composition may include any polyol known in the artincluding, but not limited to maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol,mannitol, isomalt, lactitol and combinations thereof. Lycasin which is ahydrogenated starch hydrolysate including sorbitol and maltitol, mayalso be used.

Maltitol is a sweet, water-soluble sugar alcohol useful as a bulkingagent in the preparation of beverages and foodstuffs and is more fullydescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,708,396, which disclosure is incorporatedherein by reference. Maltitol is made by hydrogenation of maltose whichis the most common reducing disaccharide and is found in starch andother natural products.

The polyol composition which may include one or more different polyolswhich may be derived from a genetically modified organism (“GMO”) or GMOfree source. For example, the maltitol may be GMO free maltitol orprovided by a hydrogenated starch hydrolysate.

Some embodiments may include a polyol composition including maltitolwhich has a greater crystalline density than sorbitol. Other polyolswhich exhibit a greater crystalline density than sorbitol includexylitol and mannitol. Polyols of a greater crystalline density may beuseful in center-fill gums. Specifically, a polyol of a greatercrystalline density results in a structure with fewer pores, whichprovides less surface area for potential moisture or fluid migrationinto the gum region from the liquid-fill.

The polyol composition may also have a sweetness of greater than about50% of the sweetness of sucrose. Also, the polyol composition of someembodiments has a solubility of less than 67% by weight at 25° C. andgreater than about 18% by weight at 25° C.

The polyol composition may include particles of a variety of sizes.Specifically, the average particle size of the polyol composition rangesfrom about 30 microns to about 600 microns, more specifically from about30 microns to about 200 microns.

The elastomers (rubbers) employed in the gum base will vary greatlydepending upon various factors such as the type of gum base desired, theconsistency of gum composition desired and the other components used inthe composition to make the final chewing gum product. The elastomer maybe any water-insoluble polymer known in the art, and includes those gumpolymers utilized for chewing gums and bubble gums. Illustrativeexamples of suitable polymers in gum bases include both natural andsynthetic elastomers. For example, those polymers which are suitable ingum base compositions include, without limitation, natural substances(of vegetable origin) such as chicle, natural rubber, crown gum,nispero, rosidinha, jelutong, perillo, niger gutta, tunu, balata,guttapercha, lechi capsi, sorva, gutta kay, and the like, and mixturesthereof. Examples of synthetic elastomers include, without limitation,styrene-butadiene copolymers (SBR), polyisobutylene,isobutylene-isoprene copolymers, polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate and thelike, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of elastomer employed in the gum base may vary depending uponvarious factors such as the type of gum base used, the consistency ofthe gum composition desired and the other components used in thecomposition to make the final chewing gum product. In general, theelastomer will be present in the gum base in an amount from about 10% toabout 60% by weight of the gum region, desirably from about 35% to about40% by weight.

When a wax is present in the gum base, it softens the polymericelastomer mixture and improves the elasticity of the gum base. The waxesemployed will have a melting point below about 60° C., and preferablybetween about 45° C. and about 55° C. The low melting wax may be aparaffin wax. The wax may be present in the gum base in an amount fromabout 6% to about 10%, and preferably from about 7% to about 9.5%, byweight of the gum base.

In addition to the low melting point waxes, waxes having a highermelting point may be used in the gum base in amounts up to about 5%, byweight of the gum base. Such high melting waxes include beeswax,vegetable wax, candelilla wax, carnuba wax, most petroleum waxes, andthe like, and mixtures thereof.

In addition to the components set out above, the gum base may include avariety of other ingredients, such as components selected from elastomersolvents, emulsifiers, plasticizers, fillers, and mixtures thereof.

The gum base may contain elastomer solvents to aid in softening theelastomer component. Such elastomer solvents may include those elastomersolvents known in the art, for example, terpinene resins such aspolymers of alpha-pinene or beta-pinene, methyl, glycerol andpentaerythritol esters of rosins and modified rosins and gums such ashydrogenated, dimerized and polymerized rosins, and mixtures thereof.Examples of elastomer solvents suitable for use herein may include thepentaerythritol ester of partially hydrogenated wood and gum rosin, thepentaerythritol ester of wood and gum rosin, the glycerol ester of woodrosin, the glycerol ester of partially dimerized wood and gum rosin, theglycerol ester of polymerized wood and gum rosin, the glycerol ester oftall oil rosin, the glycerol ester of wood and gum rosin and thepartially hydrogenated wood and gum rosin and the partially hydrogenatedmethyl ester of wood and rosin, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Theelastomer solvent may be employed in the gum base in amounts from about2% to about 15%, and preferably from about 7% to about 11%, by weight ofthe gum base.

The gum base may also include emulsifiers which aid in dispersing anyimmiscible components into a single stable system. The emulsifiersuseful in this invention include glyceryl monostearate, lecithin, fattyacid monoglycerides, diglycerides, propylene glycol monostearate, andthe like, and mixtures thereof. The emulsifier may be employed inamounts from about 2% to about 15%, and more specifically, from about 7%to about 11%, by weight of the gum base.

The gum base may also include plasticizers or softeners to provide avariety of desirable textures and consistency properties. Because of thelow molecular weight of these ingredients, the plasticizers andsofteners are able to penetrate the fundamental structure of the gumbase making it plastic and less viscous. Useful plasticizers andsofteners include lanolin, palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid,sodium stearate, potassium stearate, glyceryl triacetate, glyceryllecithin, glyceryl monostearate, propylene glycol monostearate,acetylated monoglyceride, glycerine, and the like, and mixtures thereof.Waxes, for example, natural and synthetic waxes, hydrogenated vegetableoils, petroleum waxes such as polyurethane waxes, polyethylene waxes,paraffin waxes, microcrystalline waxes, fatty waxes, sorbitanmonostearate, tallow, propylene glycol, mixtures thereof, and the like,may also be incorporated into the gum base. The plasticizers andsofteners are generally employed in the gum base in amounts up to about20% by weight of the gum base, and more specifically in amounts fromabout 9% to about 17%, by weight of the gum base.

Plasticizers also include are the hydrogenated vegetable oils andinclude soybean oil and cottonseed oil which may be employed alone or incombination. These plasticizers provide the gum base with good textureand soft chew characteristics. These plasticizers and softeners aregenerally employed in amounts from about 5% to about 14%, and morespecifically in amounts from about 5% to about 13.5%, by weight of thegum base.

Anhydrous glycerin may also be employed as a softening agent, such asthe commercially available United States Pharmacopeia (USP) grade.Glycerin is a syrupy liquid with a sweet warm taste and has a sweetnessof about 60% of that of cane sugar. Because glycerin is hygroscopic, theanhydrous glycerin may be maintained under anhydrous conditionsthroughout the preparation of the chewing gum composition.

Although softeners may be present to modify the texture of the gumcomposition, they may be present in reduced amounts as compared totypical gum compositions. For example, they may be present from about0.5 to about 10% by weight based on the total weight of the composition,or they may not be present in the composition, since the surfactantactive can act as a softener.

The gum base of this invention may also include effective amounts ofbulking agents such as mineral adjuvants which may serve as fillers andtextural agents. Useful mineral adjuvants include calcium carbonate,magnesium carbonate, alumina, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum silicate,talc, tricalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate and thelike, and mixtures thereof. These fillers or adjuvants may be used inthe gum base compositions in various amounts. Preferably the amount offiller, when used, will be present in an amount from about 15% to about40%, and desirably from about 20% to about 30%, by weight of the gumbase.

A variety of traditional ingredients may be optionally included in thegum base in effective amounts such as coloring agents, antioxidants,preservatives, flavoring agents, and the like. For example, titaniumdioxide and other dyes suitable for food, drug and cosmeticapplications, known as F. D. & C. dyes, may be utilized. An anti-oxidantsuch as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA),propyl gallate, and mixtures thereof, may also be included. Otherconventional chewing gum additives known to one having ordinary skill inthe chewing gum art may also be used in the gum base.

Some embodiments extend to methods of making the gum compositions. Themanner in which the gum base components are mixed is not critical and isperformed using standard techniques and apparatus known to those skilledin the art. In a typical method, an elastomer is admixed with anelastomer solvent and/or a plasticizer and/or an emulsifier and agitatedfor a period of from 1 to 30 minutes. The remaining ingredients, such asthe low melting point wax, are then admixed, either in bulk orincrementally, while the gum base mixture is blended again for 1 to 30minutes.

The gum composition may include amounts of conventional additivesselected from, but not limited to, the following: sweetening agents(sweeteners), plasticizers, softeners, emulsifiers, waxes, fillers,bulking agents (carriers, extenders, bulk sweeteners), mineraladjuvants, flavoring agents (flavors, flavorings), coloring agents(colorants, colorings), antioxidants, acidulants, thickeners,medicaments, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Some of these additivesmay serve more than one purpose. For example, in sugarless gumcompositions, a sweetener, such as maltitol or other sugar alcohol, mayalso function as a bulking agent.

The plasticizers, softening agents, mineral adjuvants, waxes andantioxidants discussed above, as being suitable for use in the gum base,may also be used in the chewing gum composition. Examples of otherconventional additives which may be used include emulsifiers, such aslecithin and glyceryl monostearate, thickeners, used alone or incombination with other softeners, such as methyl cellulose, alginates,carrageenan, xanthan gum, gelatin, carob, tragacanth, locust bean, andcarboxy methyl cellulose, acidulants such as malic acid, adipic acid,citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, and mixtures thereof, andfillers, such as those discussed above under the category of mineraladjuvants.

In some embodiments, the gum region may also contain a bulking agent.Suitable bulking agents may be water-soluble and include sweeteningagents selected from, but not limited to, monosaccharides,disaccharides, polysaccharides, sugar alcohols, and mixtures thereof;randomly bonded glucose polymers such as those polymers distributedunder the tradename POLYDEXTROSE by Pfizer, Inc., Groton, Conn.; isomalt(a racemic mixture of alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-1,6-mannitol andalpha-D-glucopyranosyl-1,6-sorbitol manufactured under the tradenamePALATINIT by Suddeutsche Zucker), maltodextrins; hydrogenated starchhydrolysates; hydrogenated hexoses; hydrogenated disaccharides;minerals, such as calcium carbonate, talc, titanium dioxide, dicalciumphosphate; celluloses; and mixtures thereof.

Suitable sugar bulking agents include monosaccharides, disaccharides andpolysaccharides such as xylose, ribulose, glucose (dextrose), mannose,galactose, fructose (levulose), sucrose (sugar), maltose, invert sugar,partially hydrolyzed starch and corn syrup solids, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable sugar alcohol bulking agents include sorbitol, xylitol,mannitol, galactitol, maltitol, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable hydrogenated starch hydrolysates include those disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 25,959, 3,356,811, 4,279,931 and various hydrogenatedglucose syrups and/or powders which contain sorbitol, hydrogenateddisaccharides, hydrogenated higher polysaccharides, or mixtures thereof.Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates are primarily prepared by thecontrolled catalytic hydrogenation of corn syrups. The resultinghydrogenated starch hydrolysates are mixtures of monomeric, dimeric, andpolymeric saccharides. The ratios of these different saccharides givedifferent hydrogenated starch hydrolysates different properties.Mixtures of hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, such as LYCASIN, acommercially available product manufactured by Roquette Freres ofFrance, and HYSTAR, a commercially available product manufactured byLonza, Inc., of Fairlawn, N.J., are also useful.

The sweetening agents used may be selected from a wide range ofmaterials including water-soluble sweeteners, water-soluble artificialsweeteners, water-soluble sweeteners derived from naturally occurringwater-soluble sweeteners, dipeptide based sweeteners, and protein basedsweeteners, including mixtures thereof. Without being limited toparticular sweeteners, representative categories and examples include:

-   -   (a) water-soluble sweetening agents such as dihydrochalcones,        monellin, steviosides, glycyrrhizin, dihydroflavenol, and sugar        alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, and        L-aminodicarboxylic acid aminoalkenoic acid ester amides, such        as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,834, which disclosure        is incorporated herein by reference, and mixtures thereof;    -   (b) water-soluble artificial sweeteners such as soluble        saccharin salts, i.e., sodium or calcium saccharin salts,        cyclamate salts, the sodium, ammonium or calcium salt of        3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazine-4-one-2,2-dioxide, the        potassium salt of        3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazine-4-one-2,2-dioxide        (Acesulfame-K), the free acid form of saccharin, and mixtures        thereof;    -   (c) dipeptide based sweeteners, such as L-aspartic acid derived        sweeteners, such as L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester        (Aspartame) and materials described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,492,131,        L-alphaaspartyl-N-(2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3-thietanyl)-D-alaninamide        hydrate (Alitame), methyl esters of L-aspartyl-L-phenylglycerine        and L-aspartyl-L-2,5-dihydrophenyl-glycine,        L-aspartyl-2,5-dihydro-L-phenylalanine;        L-aspartyl-L-(1-cyclohexen)-alanine, and mixtures thereof;    -   (d) water-soluble sweeteners derived from naturally occurring        water-soluble sweeteners, such as chlorinated derivatives of        ordinary sugar (sucrose), e.g., chlorodeoxysugar derivatives        such as derivatives of chlorodeoxysucrose or        chlorodeoxygalactosucrose, known, for example, under the product        designation of Sucralose; examples of chlorodeoxysucrose and        chlorodeoxygalactosucrose derivatives include but are not        limited to: 1-chloro-1′-deoxysucrose;        4-chloro-4-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-alpha-D-fructofuranoside,        or 4-chloro-4-deoxygalactosucrose;        4-chloro-4-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-1-chloro-1-deoxy-beta-D-fructo-furanoside,        or 4,1′-dichloro-4,1′-dideoxygalactosucrose; 1′,6‘-dichlorol        ’,6′-dideoxysucrose;        4-chloro-4-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-1,6-dichloro-1,6-dideoxy-beta-D-fructofuranoside,        or 4,1′,6′-trichloro-4,1′,6′-trideoxygalactosucrose;        4,6-dichloro-4,6-dideoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-6-chloro-6-deoxy-beta-D-fructofuranoside,        or 4,6,6′-trichloro-4,6,6′-trideoxygalactosucrose;        6,1′,6′-trichloro-6,1′,6′-trideoxysucrose;        4,6-dichloro-4,6-dideoxy-alpha-D-galacto-pyranosyl-1,6-dichloro-1,6-dideoxy-beta-D-fructofuranoside,        or 4,6,1′,6′-tetrachloro4,6,1′,6′-tetradeoxygalacto-sucrose; and        4,6,1′,6′-tetradeoxy-sucrose, and mixtures thereof; and    -   (e) protein based sweeteners such as thaumaoccous danielli        (Thaumatin I and II).

The intense sweetening agents may be used in many distinct physicalforms well-known in the art to provide an initial burst of sweetnessand/or a prolonged sensation of sweetness. Without being limitedthereto, such physical forms include free forms, such as spray dried,powdered, beaded forms, encapsulated forms, and mixtures thereof.

Desirably, the sweetener is a high intensity sweetener such asaspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K).

In general, an effective amount of sweetener may be utilized to providethe level of sweetness desired, and this amount may vary with thesweetener selected. The amount of sweetener may be present in amountsfrom about 0.001% to about 3%, by weight of the gum composition,depending upon the sweetener or combination of sweeteners used. Theexact range of amounts for each type of sweetener may be selected bythose skilled in the art.

The flavoring agents which may be used include those flavors known tothe skilled artisan, such as natural and artificial flavors. Theseflavorings may be chosen from synthetic flavor oils and flavoringaromatics and/or oils, oleoresins and extracts derived from plants,leaves, flowers, fruits, and so forth, and combinations thereof.Nonlimiting representative flavor oils include spearmint oil, cinnamonoil, oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate), peppermint oil, clove oil,bay oil, anise oil, eucalyptus oil, thyme oil, cedar leaf oil, oil ofnutmeg, allspice, oil of sage, mace, oil of bitter almonds, and cassiaoil. Also useful flavorings are artificial, natural and synthetic fruitflavors such as vanilla, and citrus oils including lemon, orange, lime,grapefruit, and fruit essences including apple, pear, peach, grape,strawberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, pineapple, apricot and so forth.These flavoring agents may be used in liquid or solid form and may beused individually or in admixture. Commonly used flavors include mintssuch as peppermint, menthol, spearmint, artificial vanilla, cinnamonderivatives, and various fruit flavors, whether employed individually orin admixture.

Other useful flavorings include aldehydes and esters such as cinnamylacetate, cinnamaldehyde, citral diethylacetal, dihydrocarvyl acetate,eugenyl formate, p-methylamisol, and so forth may be used. Generally anyflavoring or food additive such as those described in Chemicals Used inFood Processing, publication 1274, pages 63-258, by the National Academyof Sciences, may be used. This publication is incorporated herein byreference.

Further examples of aldehyde flavorings include but are not limited toacetaldehyde (apple), benzaldehyde (cherry, almond), anisic aldehyde(licorice, anise), cinnamic aldehyde (cinnamon), citral, i.e.,alpha-citral (lemon, lime), neral, i.e., beta-citral (lemon, lime),decanal (orange, lemon), ethyl vanillin (vanilla, cream), heliotrope,i.e., piperonal (vanilla, cream), vanillin (vanilla, cream), alpha-amylcinnamaldehyde (spicy fruity flavors), butyraldehyde (butter, cheese),valeraldehyde (butter, cheese), citronellal (modifies, many types),decanal (citrus fruits), aldehyde C-8 (citrus fruits), aldehyde C-9(citrus fruits), aldehyde C-12 (citrus fruits), 2-ethyl butyraldehyde(berry fruits), hexenal, i.e., trans-2 (berry fruits), tolyl aldehyde(cherry, almond), veratraldehyde (vanilla), 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal,i.e., melonal (melon), 2,6-dimethyloctanal (green fruit), and2-dodecenal (citrus, mandarin), cherry, grape, strawberry shortcake, andmixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may be employed in eitherliquid form and/or dried form. When employed in the latter form,suitable drying means such as spray drying the oil may be used.Alternatively, the flavoring agent may be absorbed onto water solublematerials, such as cellulose, starch, sugar, maltodextrin, gum arabicand so forth or may be encapsulated. The actual techniques for preparingsuch dried forms are well-known.

In some embodiments, the flavoring agents may be used in many distinctphysical forms well-known in the art to provide an initial burst offlavor and/or a prolonged sensation of flavor. Without being limitedthereto, such physical forms include free forms, such as spray dried,powdered, beaded forms, encapsulated forms, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of flavoring agent employed herein may be a matter ofpreference subject to such factors as the type of final chewing gumcomposition, the individual flavor, the gum base employed, and thestrength of flavor desired. Thus, the amount of flavoring may be variedin order to obtain the result desired in the final product and suchvariations are within the capabilities of those skilled in the artwithout the need for undue experimentation. In gum compositions, theflavoring agent is generally present in amounts from about 0.02% toabout 5%, and more specifically from about 0.1% to about 2%, and evenmore specifically, from about 0.8% to about 1.8%, by weight of thechewing gum composition.

Coloring agents may be used in amounts effective to produce the desiredcolor. The coloring agents may include pigments which may beincorporated in amounts up to about 6%, by weight of the gumcomposition. For example, titanium dioxide may be incorporated inamounts up to about 2%, and preferably less than about 1%, by weight ofthe gum composition. The colorants may also include natural food colorsand dyes suitable for food, drug and cosmetic applications. Thesecolorants are known as F.D.& C. dyes and lakes. The materials acceptablefor the foregoing uses are preferably water-soluble. Illustrativenonlimiting examples include the indigoid dye known as F.D.& C. Blue No.2, which is the disodium salt of 5,5-indigotindisulfonic acid.Similarly, the dye known as F.D.& C. Green No. 1 comprises atriphenylmethane dye and is the monosodium salt of4-[4-(N-ethyl-p-sulfoniumbenzylamino) diphenylmethylene]-[1-(N-ethyl-N-p-sulfoniumbenzyl)-delta-2,5-cyclohexadieneimine]. A full recitationof all F.D.& C. colorants and their corresponding chemical structuresmay be found in the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rdEdition, in volume 5 at pages 857-884, which text is incorporated hereinby reference.

Suitable oils and fats usable in gum compositions include partiallyhydrogenated vegetable or animal fats, such as coconut oil, palm kerneloil, beef tallow, and lard, among others. These ingredients when usedare generally present in amounts up to about 7%, and preferably up toabout 3.5%, by weight of the gum composition.

Some embodiments may include a method for preparing the gumcompositions, including both chewing gum and bubble gum compositions.The chewing gum compositions may be prepared using standard techniquesand equipment known to those skilled in the art. The apparatus useful inaccordance with some embodiments comprises mixing and heating apparatuswell known in the chewing gum manufacturing arts, and therefore theselection of the specific apparatus will be apparent to the artisan.

In some embodiments, a method of preparing a stain-removing gumcomposition includes heating a gum base to soften the base and thenmixing the softened gum base with a chelating agent; and a surfactantincluding a fatty acid salt and at least one other anionic or nonionicsurfactant so as to obtain a substantially homogeneous mixture. Themethod further includes cooling the mixture and forming the cooledmixture into individual gum pieces. The fatty acid salt may be a hydroxyfatty acid salt. In some embodiments, the hydroxy fatty acid salt may bea salt of ricinoleic acid, such as sodium ricinoleate. Furtheringredients may be mixed into the softened gum base. For example, one ormore of the following may be added: abrasive, bulking agent, filler,humectant, flavorant, colorant, dispersing agent, softener, plasticizer,preservative, warming agent, cooling agent, tooth whitening agent andsweetener.

In some embodiments, gum pieces may be coated with an aqueous coatingcomposition, which may be applied by any method known in the art. Thecoating composition may be present in an amount from about 25% to about35% by weight of the total gum piece, more specifically about 30% byweight of the gum piece.

The outer coating may be hard or crunchy. Typically, the outer coatingmay include sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, isomalt, and othercrystallizable polyols; sucrose may also be used. Flavors may also beadded to yield unique product characteristics. Moreover, the outercoating may include one or more of the stain-removing agents providedherein.

The coating, if present, may include several opaque layers, such thatthe chewing gum composition is not visible through the coating itself,which can optionally be covered with a further one or more transparentlayers for aesthetic, textural and protective purposes. The outercoating may also contain small amounts of water and gum arabic. Thecoating can be further coated with wax. The coating may be applied in aconventional manner by successive applications of a coating solution,with drying in between each coat. As the coating dries it usuallybecomes opaque and is usually white, though other colorants may beadded. A polyol coating can be further coated with wax. The coating canfurther include colored flakes or speckles.

If the composition comprises a coating, it is possible that one or moreoral care actives can be dispersed throughout the coating. This may bepreferred if one or more oral care actives is incompatible in a singlephase composition with another of the actives.

Moreover, it is well within the contemplation of the present inventionthat providing one or more of the stain-removing agents in the coatingcan enhance the stain-removing efficacy of the total composition. Forexample, as described above, the mechanical abrasion may be initiallyenhanced by providing the optional abrasive in the coating layer.Chemical cleaning effects are also enhanced as a result.

Furthermore, the fatty acid salt can be included in one or more of thechewing gum regions, the coating, the gum base or both. Additionally,the fatty acid salt can be added at different stages of the manufacture,alone or as a pre mix with other components. The fatty acid salt may bea salt of ricinoleic acid. One or more other ingredients may be includedin the coating composition, such as including, but not limited to, thefollowing: gum arabic, flavorant, colorant, sweetener, bulking agent,filler, anti-adherent compound, dispersing agent, moisture absorbingcompound, warming agent, cooling agent and film-forming agent.

The coating may be formulated to assist with increasing the thermalstability of the gum piece and preventing leaking of a liquid fill ifthe gum product is a center-filled gum. In some embodiments, the coatingmay include a gelatin composition. The gelatin composition may be addedas a 40% by weight solution and may be present in the coatingcomposition from about 5% to about 10% by weight of the coatingcomposition, and more specifically about 7% to about 8%. The gelstrength of the gelatin may be from about 130 bloom to about 250 bloom.

Additives, such as physiological cooling agents, throat-soothing agents,spices, warming agents, tooth-whitening agents, breath-fresheningagents, vitamins minerals, caffeine, drugs and other actives may beincluded in any or all portions of the chewing gum composition. Suchcomponents may be used in amounts sufficient to achieve their intendedeffects.

With respect to cooling agents, a variety of well known cooling agentsmay be employed. For example, among the useful cooling agents areincluded menthol, xylitol, menthane, menthone, menthyl acetate, menthylsalicylate, N,2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropyl butanamide (WS-23),N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), menthyl succinate,3,1-menthoxypropane 1,2-diol, among others. These and other suitablecooling agents are further described in the following U.S. patents, allof which are incorporated in their entirety by reference hereto: U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,230,688 and 4,032,661 to Rowsell et al.; U.S. Pat. No.4,459,425 to Amano et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,163 to Watson et al.; andU.S. Pat. No. 5,266,592 to Grub et al. These cooling agents may bepresent in one or more of the outer gum coatings, the gum regionsurrounding the liquid fill, the liquid fill per se, or in anycombination of those three gum areas. Cooling agents, when used in theouter coating composition for the gum, are generally present in amountof 0.01% to about 1.0%. When used in the other portions of the gum, suchas the gum region or the center fill, they may be present in amounts ofabout 0.001 to about 10% by weight of the total chewing gum piece.

Warming components may be selected from a wide variety of compoundsknown to provide the sensory signal of warming to the user. Thesecompounds offer the perceived sensation of warmth, particularly in theoral cavity, and often enhance the perception of flavors, sweeteners andother organoleptic components. Among the useful warming compoundsincluded are vanillyl alcohol n-butylether (TK-1000) supplied byTakasago Perfumary Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan, vanillyl alcoholn-propylether, vanillyl alcohol isopropylether, vanillyl alcoholisobutylether, vanillyl alcohol n-aminoether, vanillyl alcoholisoamyleather, vanillyl alcohol n-hexyleather, vanillyl alcoholmethylether, vanillyl alcohol ethyleather, gingerol, shogaol, paradol,zingerone, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin,homocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin, ethanol, isopropol alcohol,iso-amylalcohol, benzyl alcohol, glycerine, and combinations thereof.

The features and advantages of the present invention are more fullyshown by the following examples which are provided for purposes ofillustration, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention inany way.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Uncoated Chewing Gum Compositions—Surfactant in theGum Base

TABLE 1 Chewing Gum Compositions A B Ingredient % Wt. % Wt. Gum Base24.00 24.00 Sorbitol QS QS Glycerine 4.50 4.50 Flavor Blend 2.10 2.10Ace - K 0.05 0.05 APM Free 0.21 0.21 Gum Arabic 1.21 1.21 Silicondioxide 2.00 0.00 Sodium tripolyphosphate 0.50 0.50 Sodium Ricinoleate0.25 0.50 IMWITOR 370 ® 1.00 1.00 Total 100.00 100.00Experimental

Chewing gum compositions A and B shown in Table 1 above are prepared byconventional methods. Composition A includes the optional abrasive agent(silicon dioxide). The method of preparing the compositions involvesheating a gum base sufficiently to soften the base without adverselyaffecting the physical and chemical make-up of the base. The molten gumbase and fillers are then added to the mixing kettle. The sugaralcohols, glycerin, flavor, sweeteners, chelating agent, abrasive (forComposition A only) and surfactant actives (sodium ricinoleate andIMWITOR 370®) are added with mixing to obtain a substantiallyhomogeneous mixture, with the surfactant actives added last. IMWITOR370® is sold by Condea Vista Co., and is a suitable example of astain-removing surfactant active, which can be classified as a mixtureof at least one citric acid ester of mono and/or diglycerides. Themixture is then discharged from the mixing kettle and rolled and scoredinto a desired piece by conventional techniques.

Example 2 Coated Chewing Gum Composition—Surfactant in the Coat

TABLE 2 Ingredient Composition C (Wt. %) Core Gum Gum Base 26.2500Atomite (Filler) 3.7500 Sorbitol 32.3583 Mannitol 7.5000 Flavorant2.8075 Glycerin 1.0000 High Intensity Sweetener 0.7875 Sodiumtripolyphosphate 0.5000 Silicon dioxide 0.5000 Coat Maltitol 21.5228Ace-K 0.0350 Flavorant 0.3430 Gum Arabic 1.1678 Titanium Dioxide 0.1780Candelilla Wax 0.0334 Mixture of lactic acid esters of 0.6000 mono- anddiglycerides Sodium ricinoleate 0.6667 TOTAL 100.0000

In the present example, the surfactant actives (sodium ricinoleate and amixture of lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides) are in thecoat. An inventive gum composition is prepared by conventional methodsto form Composition C in Table 2. Briefly, a gum base is softened withheating. The molten gum base and filler are added to the mixing kettleand mixing is commenced. The sugar alcohols, glycerin, chelating agent(sodium tripolyphosphate), abrasive agent (silicon dioxide), flavors andhigh intensity sweetener mixture, are added in portions to obtain asubstantially homogeneous mixture. The mixture is then discharged fromthe mixing kettle, and formed into cores by conventional techniques.

The cores are placed into a coating pan and broken into individualpieces as necessary. A sugarless solution containing 70% by weight ofmaltitol, as well as titanium dioxide, gum arabic and water is heated tobetween 70° C. and 80° C. The solution is sprayed onto the gum corepieces in layers and allowed to dry between sprays while the coating panis continually rotating to ensure a smooth even coat of the gum cores.

The coating is built up to about 8% by weight of the final pelletweight. Ace-K is then added and then covered with another layer of theabove-mentioned coating solution and then allowed to dry.

After the high intensity sweetener layer is dried, the surfactantactives and a flavorant are added in alternating layers until all of therespective materials are added with each layer being allowed to drybefore the next layer is applied. The coating process is continued withthe coating solution until the coat comprises 24% by weight of the finalpellet weight.

The coating is then topped with a conventional finishing solution untila shell weight of 25% by weight is obtained. The pellets are thenpolished in a polishing pan with candelilla wax in a conventionalmanner.

Example 3 Coated Chewing Gum Composition—Abrasive in the Coat

TABLE 3 Ingredient Composition D (Wt. %) Core Gum Gum Base 26.2500Atomite (Filler) 3.7500 Sorbitol 31.7583 Mannitol 7.5000 Flavorant2.8075 Glycerin 1.0000 High Intensity Sweetener 0.7875 Sodiumtripolyphosphate 0.5000 IMWITOR 370 ® 0.6000 Sodium ricinoleate 0.5000Coat Maltitol 22.2895 Acesulfame-K (Ace-K) 0.0350 Flavorant 0.3430 GumArabic 1.1678 Titanium Dioxide 0.1780 Candelilla Wax 0.0334 Silicondioxide 0.5000 TOTAL 100.0000

In the present example, the optional abrasive agent is present in thecoat. An inventive gum composition is prepared by conventional methodsto form Composition D in Table 3. Briefly, a gum base is softened withheating. The molten gum base and filler are added to the mixing kettleand mixing is commenced. The sugar alcohols, glycerin, chelating agent(sodium tripolyphosphate), surfactant actives (sodium ricinoleate andIMWITOR 370®), flavors and high intensity sweetener mixture are added inportions to obtain a substantially homogeneous mixture. The mixture isthen discharged from the mixing kettle, and formed into cores byconventional techniques.

The cores are placed into a coating pan and broken into individualpieces as necessary. A sugarless solution containing 70% by weight ofmaltitol, as well as titanium dioxide, gum arabic and water is heated tobetween 70° C. and 80° C. The solution is sprayed onto the gum corepieces in layers and allowed to dry between sprays while the coating panis continually rotating to ensure a smooth even coat of the gum cores.

The coating is built up to about 8% by weight of the final pelletweight. Ace-K is then added and then covered with another layer of theabove-mentioned coating solution and then allowed to dry.

After the high intensity sweetener layer is dried, the abrasive agent(silicon dioxide) and a flavorant are added in alternating layers untilall of the respective materials are added with each layer being allowedto dry before the next layer is applied. The coating process iscontinued with the coating solution until the coat comprises 24% byweight of the final pellet weight.

The coating is then topped with a conventional finishing solution untila shell weight of 25% by weight is obtained. The pellets are thenpolished in a polishing pan with candelilla wax in a conventionalmanner.

Example 4 Pressed Mint Products

A composition for forming a pressed mint product in accordance with thepresent invention is prepared in the following manner.

Sorbitol at 96.4% by weight, 0.5% by weight of silicon dioxide, 0.5% ofsodium tripolyphosphate, 0.3% by weight of a flavoring agent, and 0.7%of Aspartame are mixed for two minutes in a blender until asubstantially homogeneous mixture is obtained. Then, 0.5% by weight ofsodium ricinoleate, and 0.6% by weight of IMWITOR 370® are added to themixture, followed by blending for about four minutes. Magnesium stearateis then added to the mixture at 0.5% by weight, followed by blending forabout three minutes. The resulting mixture is then formed intoindividual pressed tablets in a conventional manner.

Example 5 Dentifrice Composition of the Present Invention

In some embodiments, a dentifrice composition of the present inventioncontains the following ingredients, as described below in Table 4. TABLE4 Ingredients Wt. % Sorbitol 23.0 Glycerine 15.0 Polyethylene glycol(PEG) 600 4.0 Carboxymethyl cellulose 0.5 Sodium saccharin 0.4 Sodiumfluoride 0.25 Deionized water 27.0 Titanium dioxide 0.5 Sodium benzoate0.5 Flavorants 1.0 Sodium tripolyphosphate 5.0 Silica microparticles20.0 Sodium ricinoleate 2.0 IMWITOR 370 ® 1.0 Colorant 0.4

The jacket temperature of a mixing tank is set to about 150° F. (65°C.). The humectants (glycerine, sorbitol, PEG) and water are added tothe mixing tank and agitation is started. When the temperature reachesabout 120° F. (50° C.), sweetening agents (saccharin), fluoride, chelant(sodium tripolyphosphate), coloring agents (titanium dioxide) and sodiumbenzoate are added. Thickening agents (carboxymethyl cellulose) areadded to the silica abrasive and the resulting mixture is added to themixing tank with high agitation. The surfactant actives (sodiumricinoleate and IMWITOR 370®) are added to the combination and mixing iscontinued. The tank is cooled to 120° F. (50° C.) and the flavoringagents are added. Mixing is continued for approximately 5 minutes toyield the final composition.

1. A stain-removing oral composition comprising: a chelating agent; anda surfactant comprising (i) a fatty acid salt; and (ii) at least onecomponent selected from the group consisting of nonionic and anionicsurfactants.
 2. The composition of claim 1, further comprising anabrasive agent.
 3. The composition of claim 1, further comprising anorally acceptable carrier.
 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein theorally acceptable carrier is a solid carrier.
 5. The composition ofclaim 3, wherein the orally acceptable carrier is a gum or wax base. 6.The composition of claim 1, wherein the nonionic and anionic surfactantsare selected from the group consisting of sulfated butyl oleate, mediumand long chain fatty acid esters, sodium oleate, salts of fumaric acid,potassium glomate, organic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides,stearyl monoglyceridyl citrate, succistearin, dioctyl sodiumsulfosuccinate, glycerol tristearate, lecithin, hydroxylated lecithin,sodium lauryl sulfate, acetylated monoglycerides, succinylated monoglycerides, monoglyceride citrate, ethoxylated mono- and diglycerides,sorbitan monostearate, calcium stearyl-2-lactylate, sodium stearyllactylate, lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propyleneglycerol, glycerol-lactoesters of C₈-C₂₄ fatty acids, polyglycerolesters of C₈-C₂₄ fatty acids, propylene glycol alginate, sucrose C₈-C₂₄fatty acid esters, diacetyl tartaric and citric acid esters of mono- anddiglycerides, triacetin, sarcosinate surfactants, isethionatesurfactants, tautate surfactants, pluronics, polyethylene oxidecondensates of alkyl phenols, products derived from the condensation ofethylene oxide with the reaction product of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine, ethylene oxide condensates of aliphatic alcohols, long chaintertiary amine oxides, long chain tertiary phosphine oxides, long chaindialkyl sulfoxides and mixtures thereof.
 7. The composition of claim 1,wherein the fatty acid salt has at least one hydroxyl functionality. 8.The composition of claim 1, wherein the fatty acid salt is selected fromthe group consisting of medium chain fatty acid salts, long chain fattyacid salts and combinations thereof.
 9. The composition of claim 1,wherein the fatty acid salt has from 8 to 20 carbon atoms.
 10. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the fatty acid salt has from 14 to 25carbon atoms.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fatty acidsalt is a salt of an unsaturated fatty acid selected from the groupconsisting of ricinoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, eleostericacid and combinations thereof.
 12. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe fatty acid salt is a salt of ricinoleic acid.
 13. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the fatty acid salt is a salt of a saturated fatty acidselected from the group consisting of butyric acid, caproic acid,caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid,stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, ceroticacid and combinations thereof.
 14. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe fatty acid salt includes a metal ion selected from divalent andmonovalent metal ions.
 15. The composition of claim 1, wherein thesurfactant is present in an amount of about 0.001 to about 20% by weightbased on the total weight of the composition.
 16. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.05%to about 10% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. 17.The composition of claim 1, wherein the surfactant is present in anamount of about 0.05 to about 2% by weight based on the total weight ofthe composition.
 18. The composition of claim 1, wherein the chelatingagent is a phosphate salt.
 19. The composition of claim 1, wherein thechelating agent is selected from the group consisting of pyrophosphates,triphosphates, polyphosphates, polyphosphonates and combinationsthereof.
 20. The composition of claim 1, wherein the chelating agent isselected from the group consisting of dialkali metal pyrophosphatesalts, tetraalkali polyphosphate salts and combinations thereof.
 21. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the chelating agent is selected from thegroup consisting of tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tetrapotassiumpyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and combinations thereof. 22.The composition of claim 1, wherein the chelating agent is present inthe composition in an amount of about 0.001 to about 5% by weight. 23.The composition of claim 2, wherein the abrasive agent is selected fromthe group consisting of silicas, aluminas, phosphates, carbonates andcombinations thereof.
 24. The composition of claim 2, wherein theabrasive agent is a silica selected from the group consisting ofprecipitated silica, silica gels and combinations thereof.
 25. Thecomposition of claim 2, wherein the abrasive agent has a particle sizeof about 0.1 to about 30 microns.
 26. The composition of claim 2,wherein the abrasive agent is selected from the group consisting ofcalcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium metaphosphate, potassiummetaphosphate, tricalcium phosphate, dihydrated dicalcium phosphate andcombinations thereof.
 27. The composition of claim 2, wherein theabrasive agent is present in the composition in an amount from about 0.1to about 30% by weight.
 28. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition is in the form of a chewing gum composition.
 29. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of alozenge composition or mint composition.
 30. The composition of claim 1,wherein the composition is in the form of a toothpaste composition. 31.The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of agel dentrifice composition.
 32. The composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition is in the form of a tooth powder composition.
 33. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of amouthrinse composition or mouthwash composition.
 34. The composition ofclaim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a tooth hardenercomposition.
 35. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition isin the form of an antiplaque composition.
 36. The composition of claim1, further comprising an agent selected from the group consisting ofelastomers, elastomer solvents, waxes, emulsifiers, plasticizers,softeners, dispersing agents, sweeteners, flavorants, humectants, activeagents, cooling agents, warming agents, tooth whitening agents,colorants, bulking agents, fillers and combinations thereof.
 37. Thecomposition of claim 36, wherein the tooth whitening agent is a peroxidecompound.
 38. The composition of claim 36, wherein the active agent is afluoride compound or an antibacterial compound.
 39. A stain-removing gumcomposition comprising: a gum base; a chelating agent; and a surfactantcomprising (i) a fatty acid salt; and (ii) at least one componentselected from the group consisting of nonionic and anionic surfactants.40. The gum composition of claim 39, further comprising an abrasiveagent.
 41. The gum composition of claim 39, wherein the nonionic andanionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of sulfatedbutyl oleate, medium and long chain fatty acid esters, sodium oleate,salts of fumaric acid, potassium glomate, organic acid esters of mono-and diglycerides, stearyl monoglyceridyl citrate, succistearin, dioctylsodium sulfosuccinate, glycerol tristearate, lecithin, hydroxylatedlecithin, sodium lauryl sulfate, acetylated monoglycerides, succinylatedmonoglycerides, monoglyceride citrate, ethoxylated mono- anddiglycerides, sorbitan monostearate, calcium stearyl-2-lactylate, sodiumstearyl lactylate, lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol andpropylene glycerol, glycerol-lactoesters of C8-C24 fatty acids,polyglycerol esters of C8-C24 fatty acids, propylene glycol alginate,sucrose C8-C24 fatty acid esters, diacetyl tartaric and citric acidesters of mono- and diglycerides, triacetin, sarcosinate surfactants,isethionate surfactants, tautate surfactants, pluronics, polyethyleneoxide condensates of alkyl phenols, products derived from thecondensation of ethylene oxide with the reaction product of propyleneoxide and ethylene diamine, ethylene oxide condensates of aliphaticalcohols, long chain tertiary amine oxides, long chain tertiaryphosphine oxides, long chain dialkyl sulfoxides and mixtures thereof.42. The gum composition of claim 39, wherein the fatty acid salt has atleast one hydroxyl functionality.
 43. The gum composition of claim 39,wherein the fatty acid salt is selected from the group consisting ofmedium chain fatty acid salts, long chain fatty acid salts andcombinations thereof.
 44. The gum composition of claim 39, wherein thefatty acid salt has from 8 to 20 carbon atoms.
 45. The gum compositionof claim 39, wherein the fatty acid salt has from 14 to 25 carbon atoms.46. The gum composition of claim 39, wherein the fatty acid salt is asalt of an unsaturated fatty acid selected from the group consisting ofricinoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, eleosteric acid andcombinations thereof.
 47. The gum composition of claim 39, wherein thefatty acid salt is a salt of ricinoleic acid.
 48. The gum composition ofclaim 39, wherein the fatty acid salt is a salt of a saturated fattyacid selected from the group consisting of butyric acid, caproic acid,caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid,stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, ceroticacid and combinations thereof.
 49. The gum composition of claim 39,wherein the surfactant is present in an amount of about 0.001 to about20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
 50. The gumcomposition of claim 39, wherein the surfactant is present in an amountof about 0.05% to about 10% by weight based on the total weight of thecomposition.
 51. The gum composition of claim 39, wherein the surfactantis present in an amount of about 0.05 to about 2% by weight based on thetotal weight of the composition.
 52. The gum composition of claim 40,wherein the abrasive agent is a silica selected from the groupconsisting of precipitated silica, silica gels and combinations thereof.53. The gum composition of claim 40, wherein the abrasive agent has aparticle size of about 0.1 to about 30 microns.
 54. The gum compositionof claim 40, wherein the abrasive agent is present in the composition inan amount from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight.
 55. The gum compositionof claim 39, wherein the chelating agent is a polyphosphate.
 56. The gumcomposition of claim 39, wherein the chelating agent is selected fromthe group consisting of pyrophosphates, triphosphates, polyphosphates,polyphosphonates and combinations thereof.
 57. The gum composition ofclaim 39, wherein the chelating agent is present in the composition inan amount of about 0.001 to about 5% by weight.
 58. The gum compositionof claim 39, wherein the gum base is present in amounts of about 20 toabout 40% by weight based on the total weight of the gum composition.59. The gum composition of claim 39, further comprising an agentselected from the group consisting of elastomers, elastomer solvents,waxes, emulsifiers, plasticizers, softeners, dispersing agents,sweeteners, flavorants, humectants, active agents, cooling agents,warming agents, tooth whitening agents, colorants, bulking agents,fillers and combinations thereof.
 60. The gum composition of claim 59,wherein the active agent is a fluoride compound or an antibacterialcompound.
 61. A stain-removing gum composition comprising: a gum base;an abrasive agent; a chelating agent; and a surfactant comprising (i) afatty acid salt; and (ii) at least one component selected from the groupconsisting of nonionic and anionic surfactants.
 62. The gum compositionof claim 61, wherein the nonionic and anionic surfactants are selectedfrom the group consisting of sulfated butyl oleate, medium and longchain fatty acid esters, sodium oleate, salts of fumaric acid, potassiumglomate, organic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides, stearylmonoglyceridyl citrate, succistearin, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate,glycerol tristearate, lecithin, hydroxylated lecithin, sodium laurylsulfate, acetylated monoglycerides, succinylated monoglycerides,monoglyceride citrate, ethoxylated mono- and diglycerides, sorbitanmonostearate, calcium stearyl-2-lactylate, sodium stearyl lactylate,lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycerol,glycerol-lactoesters of C8-C24 fatty acids, polyglycerol esters ofC8-C24 fatty acids, propylene glycol alginate, sucrose C8-C24 fatty acidesters, diacetyl tartaric and citric acid esters of mono- anddiglycerides, triacetin, sarcosinate surfactants, isethionatesurfactants, tautate surfactants, pluronics, polyethylene oxidecondensates of alkyl phenols, products derived from the condensation ofethylene oxide with the reaction product of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine, ethylene oxide condensates of aliphatic alcohols, long chaintertiary amine oxides, long chain tertiary phosphine oxides, long chaindialkyl sulfoxides and mixtures thereof.
 63. The gum composition ofclaim 61, wherein the fatty acid salt has at least one hydroxylfunctionality.
 64. The gum composition of claim 61, wherein the fattyacid salt is a salt of ricinoleic acid.
 65. A method for removing stainsfrom teeth comprising: providing an oral composition comprising achelating agent; and a surfactant including a fatty acid salt and atleast one component selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants; andcontacting the teeth with the provided composition for a sufficient timeto remove stains from teeth.
 66. A method of preparing a stain-removinggum composition comprising: heating a gum base to soften the base;mixing the softened gum base with a chelating agent; and a surfactantincluding a fatty acid salt and at least one component selected fromnonionic and anionic surfactants, to obtain a substantially homogeneousmixture; cooling the mixture; and forming the cooled mixture intoindividual gum pieces.